Tropical Storm Alberto formed on May 19, 2012. It became an "early season storm" because it formed before the official start of the season. Tropical Storm Alberto dissipated on May 22 without making landfall.[1] Its maximun sustatined winds were at 60 miles per hour.[2]

Hurricane Chris was the third tropical system. It formed on June 19. It was also the first hurricane of the season, unexpectedly becoming one. It was in an unfavorable environment, with cool sea waters and moderate vertical wind shear. Chris, after weakening from a hurricane, became a non-tropical cyclone southeast of Newfoundland on June 22.

The following names were used for named storms in the North Atlantic in 2012. The names not retired from this list will be used again in the 2018 season. This is the same list used in the 2006 season. The names Kirk, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sandy, and Tony were used for Atlantic storms for the first time in 2012.[4] Kirk replaced Keith after 2000, but was not used in 2006.[5]